Chip Foose Design Ford F-100

When the guys at WD-40 and Foose Design told us they were building an F-100 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the original multi-use product at this year’s SEMA show, we jumped at the chance to be involved. With one of the greatest automotive designers onboard, it was sure to be a smash success.

When we learned that the truck would be auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting SEMA Cares charities, Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp, it made our involvement even more special. SEMA Cares and their partnerships over the last three project builds have raised $400,000 for charity, and we’re hoping to continue that trend with Chip’s warmed-over Effie.

WD-40 was developed in the early 1950s by Rocket Chemical Company, who was tasked with finding a solvent that would prevent rust and corrosion in missile parts. After the first 39 unsuccessful attempts, the final recipe was concocted with excellent results and thus, WD-40, or water displacement, 40th attempt, was born.

The F-100 will be built to emulate the original delivery truck that the guys at Rocket Chemical Company used to deliver the first cases of WD-40 back in the early ’50s, with Chip adding in a bit of hot rodder flare to go with the nostalgic theme. With a slight stance alteration, a warmed-over flathead, and a set of custom Curtis Speed-cut billet wheels, it’s a ride any old truck guy can appreciate!

This month’s sneak peek will give you an idea on some of the things Chip and the guys have in store. We’ll follow it up with a build installment and a full feature on the finished truck in the coming months.

1. Like every Foose Design vehicle, the WD-40 hauler started life as a rendering done by the man himself.

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2. Chip likes to begin each project with the best foundation possible, and this build will be no different. A very clean, slant-cab F-100 was purchased by the crew and brought back to Chip’s shop where the dirty work will go down. The Ford was repainted sometime in the past and it looks as though a simple cut and buff job will give it that nice shop truck finish—not too shabby, not too chic.

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3. Of course, what’s a shop truck without the company’s logo painted on the door? Chip and the WD-40 crew had a bit of artistic freedom with the company’s initial moniker, the Rocket Chemical Company.

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4. The Spartan interior confines of the pickup will make for a perfect faux delivery truck. Many of the components will get freshened up thanks to aftermarket reproduction parts from LMC to further enhance the new-but-well-used theme throughout.

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5. Being the last year for a Ford production flathead, it only makes sense that the old guard at Rocket Chemical Company would have retained the flatknocker, albeit hopping it up in the process. Chip and the guys are going to do the same.

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6. With a tight deadline looming, the crew at Foose Design wasted no time blowing the Ford apart and sending things out for various scuff and buff jobs. The stock suspension will give way to a Mor-Drop axle and disc brakes along with a spring flip kit out back to bring the truck a little closer to earth. Meanwhile the flathead is already on its way to becoming a mini fire-breathing monster.

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7. While the truck is essentially gutted, it’s a great time to run the wiring provided from American Autowire.

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8. Their traditional braid and lacquer wire kit adds another level of realism to the ’50s theme throughout the project.